The Consumer Technology Association (CTA)® will recognize U.S. Representatives Bill Foster (D-Ill.) and Don Beyer (D-Va.) and former FTC Commissioner Christine Wilson as 2025 Digital Patriots during its annual Digital Patriots Dinner at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C., on April 8. 

Conferred during CTA’s Tech Week, the Digital Patriots Award is the highest honor given to policymakers by the technology industry and recognizes leading advocates for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Previous recipients include leaders in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, as well as industry luminaries including Bill Gates, Steve Case, and Michael Dell. 

The Digital Patriots Dinner gathers industry leaders and policymakers to explore the latest tech innovations and hear the latest technology policy issues, including artificial intelligence, mobility, digital health, and more. The ceremony is invitation-only and open to CTA members, select media, and government and industry guests. 

"We are thrilled to recognize Rep. Beyer, Rep. Foster, and Commissioner Wilson for their dedication to advancing the tech innovation that improves millions of lives," said Gary Shapiro, CEO and Vice Chair, CTA. " As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of CTA’s Digital Patriot Awards, they join an esteemed group of honorees who have transformed our industry and our world." 

During the Digital Patriots Dinner, CTA will also unveil the 2025 U.S. Innovation Scorecard, a biennial report evaluating all 50 states on their support for innovation-friendly policies. States were graded on 11 policy categories including telehealth, mobility, data privacy, entrepreneurial and small business activity, and skilled workforce, among others. The Scorecard highlights how well states support technological growth and economic opportunity. 

“With our 2025 Innovation Scorecard, we recognize work across the United States to accelerate technology innovation and help American innovators thrive,” said Kinsey Fabrizio, President, CTA. “Our Innovation Champions – the highest category on the scorecard – are powering advances in AI, digital health, robotics, smart home, virtual and augmented reality, and more that empower people and make our world cleaner and greener.”

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster 
Congressman Bill Foster is a scientist and entrepreneur representing the 11th Congressional District of Illinois, a position he’s held since 2013. He also represented the 14th Congressional District of Illinois from 2008 to 2011. He is the only PhD physicist in Congress.

Congressman Foster serves on the House Financial Services Committee and is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Monetary Policy.

He is being honored as a 2025 Digital Patriot for his exceptional career as a champion of emerging technology policy in the United States House of Representatives. 

U.S. Rep. Don Beyer 
Congressman Don Beyer is serving his fifth term as the U.S. Representative from Virginia’s 8th District, representing Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, and parts of Fairfax County. He serves on Congress' Joint Economic Committee and also serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.   

As Chair of the Virginia Economic Recovery Commission, he helped pass permanent pro-business reforms and was co-founder of the Northern Virginia Technology Council. 

Rep. Beyer is being honored as a 2025 Digital Patriot to recognize his exceptional career in technology, leadership on artificial intelligence policy, and tireless work to promote innovation in the United States House of Representatives. 

Former FTC Commissioner Christine Wilson
As a FTC Commissioner from 2018-2023, Wilson was appointed by President Trump and helped shape policies and enforcement actions in the fields of antitrust, consumer privacy & data security, and consumer protection. She currently leads the U.S. antitrust, competition, and trade practice for Freshfields in their Washington, D.C. office. 

Learn more about CTA Tech Week and the Digital Patriots Dinner. 
 

About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®:  
As North America’s largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world’s leading innovators – from startups to global brands – helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES® – the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech. 

About CES®:
CES is the most powerful tech event in the world – the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)®, CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2026 takes place Jan. 6-9, 2026, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.